How much is too much? Larger track plans….

If your wire is sized right, the size of the loop does not matter. The amperage load is what would determine whether or not you need a second channel. Two or three modern engines should be no problem staying under a 10 amp maximum. Fastrack switches would barely affect anything.

Thanks @John H. I appreciate the input.   👍🏼

14 ga wire ,with feeders every 10 feet and you'll have no issues.

18x24 isn't that big

(RickO) If I'm running 14 gauge wire as a feeder, how 'heavy' should the wire be to each 10 ft. section?

Let me 'clean up' those terms! The 'main' feed will be 14 gauge! What size should the 'feeders' be?

@Dave Koehler posted:

18x24 isn't that big

I agree with this   Its not that big so you will not have power problems using a ZW-L   Are you running DCS?

I ran 14 gauge wire all the way to the track.  Used 3 different wire colors, Black + center rail, Green - one of the outside rails and  Red - on the other outside rail for signals.  Using TMCC with 180 watt bricks.  My layout is 19.5 feet by 35 feet with 2 mainlines.

@BMiller posted:

Let me 'clean up' those terms! The 'main' feed will be 14 gauge! What size should the 'feeders' be?

I used 14 ga main and 14ga feeders, no regrets.

I used #14 for long runs and #18 for short drops from the track.  I have zero issues with voltage drops, even running multiple trains.

On a 14x24 layout I am constructing, with Gargraves flex, I intend to run TMCC, DCS, PS-1 and conventional on all tracks.  I am using 14awg stranded copper from the transformer to track wire drops. I am splitting the 14awg in 3 locations for 4 individual feeders to the track drops.

The track drops are about 10-14" long about every 12' of track.  I soldered 18awg to the bottom of track before installing. I soldered a track drop to either outside rail using black and the center rail in red. The two black wire drops are connected together at a terminal strip below the plywood where I connect to one of the 2 conductor 14awg from the controls.

I am keeping my outside rails connected for now as a continuous buss. Likewise with the center rail. Only if I have issues with DCS signal will I consider isolating the center rails sections for a truer star wire configuration. If needed later, I can cut the center rails between wire drops and isolate with a toggle and/or relay.

Hey! Learning from 'the masters!'

Thanks for the quick replies!

@BMiller posted:

Hey! Learning from 'the masters!'

Thanks for the quick replies!

Hardly a master, only a dreamer. This is my first attempt at a layout. I have tried to learn from the experienced guys; many who are on this and other build threads. I have yet to run a train. Good tip listen to Gunrunnerjohn. I had some photos so I'm just practicing posting. I'll let ya know how it works out. kevin